I would like to comment on Adam Verdin’s letter (“Is it time we all shift our thinking on Oceano?” Aug. 10). He seems desirous of compromise about driving on local beaches and Oceano Dunes. Of his many points, I will address one and an unmentioned other. As a former economist, the economic study Verdin refers […]
One topic is missing from the Oceano Dunes off-roading debate
Posted inOpinion
There is at least one candidate aspiring to become the U.S. president who is not qualified
Madame Secretary, The following appears on the California secretary of state’s website: Summary of qualifications and requirements for the office of United States president Republican Party, March 5, 2024, presidential primary election: I. Qualifications: Every candidate shall be a natural-born citizen of the United States, at least 35 years of age, and a resident of […]
Posted inOpinion
Competition breeds complaints
Do food trucks have an unfair advantage over restaurants? I’m guessing that food truck owners would say no. After all, it’s not like a thief can just steal a brick-and-mortar restaurant. They can and do steal food trucks. It’s happening all over the U.S. Can you imagine waking up one morning and your entire business […]
Posted inNews
Retired music teacher launches Young Voices of Santa Maria, a new children’s choir program
Eileen Boyd considered herself a singer from an early age and always dreamt of a professional career. The Sacramento native ended up studying music in college and then decided to get a teaching credential to support herself while chasing her dreams. “I ended up teaching for 40 years, and I kept my hand in the […]
Posted inNews
Political Watch: August 31, 2023
• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) and several Senate and House colleagues applauded the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s release of the draft designation for the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary off the Central Coast, according to an Aug. 23 statement from Carbajal’s office. In 2020, Carbajal, U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, and then Sen. […]
Posted inNews
Escalante Meadows to bring more affordable housing to Guadalupe
After five to six years of work and gathering funding, the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara will start construction on an 80-unit affordable housing project in Guadalupe. The project will also include a community services hub and a child development center, Executive Director John Polanskey told the Sun. “Escalante Meadows was a […]
Posted inNews
Guadalupe considers enforcing first formal restrictions on food trucks
Mobile food vendors operating in Guadalupe will face new regulations if the city decides to approve a newly proposed law. Members of the Guadalupe City Council recently directed staff to draft a formal food truck ordinance, which will mark the first ordinance of its kind for the city, according to contracted Planning Director Larry Appel. […]
Posted inNews
Santa Maria home explodes, injuring four and destroying the building
Santa Maria Fire Chief Brad Dandridge has never seen anything like the Aug. 23 house explosion before. “I’ve been a firefighter for 17 years and the majority of the time was in Fresno. At Fresno, we’ve run into quite a bit of calls and I’ve seen quite a bit of incidents,” Dandridge said. “I’ve seen […]
Posted inNews
Jail alternative
Volunteer opportunity Call (805) 346-1774 or email edwin@fbsmv.org for more information about training and volunteering on a restorative justice panel. There are no specific qualifications or requirements for people to participate. When people get convicted of a crime, it follows them throughout their life, but that conviction rarely invokes change. “As time has gone on […]
Posted inFood & Drink
805 Charcuterie in Santa Maria offers unique spreads for all ages—dogs too
Build your own Call (805) 354-0069 or visit 805charcuterie.com to find out more about 805 Charcuterie, located at 3546 Skyway Drive, suite F, Santa Maria. The venue is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 8 p.m., Fridays and Sundays from noon to 8 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Don’t be […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
BINGEABLE: Depp V. Heard
Depp V. Heard What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2023 Where’s it showing? Netflix From April to June 2022, the defamation trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard was in its heyday. With a bit of shame, I admit I followed along, watching hour upon hour of trial footage as the two and their respective witnesses […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
NEW FLICKS: Heart of Stone
Heart of Stone What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2023 Where’s it showing? Netflix Tom Harper (Wild Rose, The Aeronauts) directs this by-the-numbers spy thriller that’s sadly short on thrills. As I understand it, the idea was that it would begin a Mission: Impossible-style franchise with Gal Gadot in the lead, but after this rote, lackluster […]
